As a department, we have been vocal in calling for the justice system to deal with violence against women and children as serious crimes. We have called for the heaviest possible sentences and no bail for offenders, so that our courts can send a clear message that those who harm women and children have no place in our democratic society. We are happy to learn that the task team set up by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has recommended that sexual offences courts, as well as children's courts, be re-established to speed up convictions and cut out the huge backlogs in these cases.